Good Ol' Boy

Just saw this film and had to say something! THESE are the kinds of films we've been missing all these years. Growing up Smith is the perfect combination of a family-kid friendly film with some teeth to it. Lighthearted with a message, funny, exuberant and most timely in today's America.

This film won't preach to you and I can't put my finger on just one thing in particular, but it left me feeling euphoric walking out. Nostalgia, memories and emotions flowed through me. It hearkens back to a time where we were all innocent. As kids emulating our parents and yearning to break out.

The performances are just as impressive. Jason Lee appears in a role I've never seen him play, and plays it to perfection: The beer drinking role model... Hilarie Burton and Poorna Jagannathan play characters who couldn't be more opposite, yet are equally as endearing. Anjul Nigam was terrific and relentless. At times I felt as though he was the film's hero and others it's villain. Lastly, the kids stole the show. Brighton Sharbino and Roni Akurati were delightful. They had tremendous rapport with one another and delivered as authentic performances as I have seen kids deliver in a film!

If you want to have fun, if you want to laugh, if you want tears in your eyes and if you want to remember the good old days, THIS is the film to see! Very impressed, Bravo!

"Movies which make you feel grate" - well that is my classification. It is indeed a great come back of the long gone feeling of enjoying a movie for me. The movie kept my on pleasing feather-light entertainment walk where you didn't find many such big bumps, crazy surprises or emotional strikes. Of course the creativity of everyone contributed must to be in exact harmony to bring such a lovely piece of work. Recommended holiday flick.

Despite some incredible films made last year, Growing Up Smith remains one of the most fun films I saw a screening of. It's lighthearted, family-friendly, and just a great ride that puts a smile on your face throughout. It's smart and doesn't pander to its audience. It's been a long time since I've seen a coming of age comedy that hits all the right notes so fluently, it's heartfelt and intelligent. The music cuts fit the film really well, and the pop culture awareness for its period is spot on without feeling contrived. The child actors are particularly good, complimenting Jason Lee and Anjul Nigam well. A must see when it releases in theaters next month.

I was so glad that SIFF decided to show this movie because it was a real joy to see! It reminds me of movies like ET, Super 8, and Moonrise Kingdom - a coming of age story with the twist of Indian culture. Having grown up in an Indian family in America, I can relate to a lot of quirkiness in the movie (though we weren't Hindu) - as crazy as some of the stuff may seem, it's very believable. The acting was also really impressive - Roni Akurati is a star all on his own, Anjul Nigam came up with a very realistic portrayal of an Indian father new to America trying to carefully navigate American culture, Jason Lee is amazing as always in the role of a very fatherly neighbor, and Poorna Jagannathan nails it as the loving but stern Indian mother. You don't have to be Indian to appreciate this movie, you just have to have an open mind and an open heart.

Set in 1979, this film centers on 10-year-old Smith who has emigrated to America with his parents and sister from India. He is trying to adjust to the American way of life amidst some bullying, racism, and an old school father who doesn't want Smith to stray from the Hindu culture and religion.

Smith also befriends and has a huge crush on Amy, the girl next door, despite the fact that his father has prearranged a marriage for him when he reaches the age of 22. I might note that Jason Lee is excellent here as Butch, who is Amy's father and tries to help Smith in various ways.

I thought some parts of this movie were cute and humorous, while other parts proved awkward and just didn't work well, so a mixed bag here. However, it ends in a most heartfelt and uplifting way, which greatly enhanced the film. There's also a wonderful musical soundtrack to enjoy consisting mainly of oldies. I might note there were no subtitles of my DVD copy, but I was able to obtain them by using the closed caption option on my remote.

All in all, this movie, directed by Frank Lotito, doesn't always work but with some solid performances, an enjoyable soundtrack, and a strong ending it won me over.